Registration is now open for the 2025 edition of Organic & Natural Products Expo, taking place 17–19 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Now in its 23rd year, the event is widely regarded as the Middle East's leading hub for the organic, natural, and halal industries.
A recent Datassential study offers an in-depth look at ice cream consumption habits across Europe, covering both at-home and out-of-home occasions. The findings highlight notable differences between major markets - Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom - and provide valuable insights for producers, distributors, and foodservice operators.
When food & beverage companies producing complementary products collaborate, they unlock new business opportunities: reaching new buyers and opening sales through new channels. In B2B, cross-selling isn’t just about selling more - it’s about building a value ecosystem that benefits everyone: producers, distributors, buyers, and end consumers. This article outlines practical cross-selling strategies food & beverage companies can use to build effective, long-term partnerships.
For companies seeking new opportunities in the global food supply chain, innovation and reliability are key factors in choosing the right partners. At Private Label Middle East 2025, MAFI will showcase a combination of cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and a diversified product portfolio designed to meet the evolving needs of food manufacturers, distributors, and private label brands. From AI-powered production processes to eco-friendly sourcing and packaging, the company's latest solutions offer practical advantages: consistency in quality, efficiency in supply, and the flexibility to serve different markets and applications. These elements make MAFI's presence at PLME 2025 a must-follow event for professionals looking to expand their product ranges and strengthen their competitive edge.
How can a food producer capture the attention of distributors, importers, and retailers? And how can distributors and importers evaluate new brands and products by also considering their communication strategy?
Tuscan cured meats, renowned for their superior quality, continue to achieve growing success in international markets. This trend represents a strong opportunity for distributors, importers, retailers, and food service operators, who can differentiate their portfolios with premium products that are increasingly sought after by consumers focused on quality and origin. Below we explore the most iconic Tuscan specialties, the business opportunities they generate, and the advantages for buyers looking to expand their assortment with prestigious products.
From 4 to 6 November 2025, the Dubai World Trade Centre will host the latest edition of Gulfood Manufacturing, the leading Middle East & Africa exhibition for machinery, ingredients, and logistics solutions serving the food industry. The event offers a unique platform for companies and professionals across the food supply chain, providing a complete overview of the technologies and trends that are reshaping the global food & beverage sector.
The ecological transition is no longer seen merely as a regulatory obligation. For most European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it has become a strategic driver of growth and competitiveness. According to the Climate Transition Barometer, 85% of European SMEs now view decarbonization as a growth opportunity - up from 67% last year. The shift is even more relevant in the agri-food sector, where companies considering sustainability a strategic priority jumped from 50% to 80% in just one year.
Private label growth reflects a structural shift in consumer behavior and the purchasing strategies of modern retail. More buyers are seeking customizable, sustainable, and fast-to-market solutions. Private Label Middle East 2025 stands out as a key platform connecting global demand with qualified supply in the food & beverage industry.
Food and beverage distributors, importers and producers have major growth potential by positioning themselves as specialized suppliers for retail e-commerce businesses. Online food retailers not only require a diverse and high-quality product selection - they increasingly depend on informative, engaging content that drives purchase intent. Suppliers who provide rich content and integration tools for their products are in a strategic position to leverage the rise of online shopping and become value-added partners for digital resellers.
Following the successful 2024 edition - which saw a significant rise in both exhibitor and visitor participation from around the world - ISM Middle East will return from September 15 to 17, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event aims to strengthen its position as a B2B hub for innovation in the confectionery, snack, and seasonal specialty sectors across emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Food packaging recyclability takes a significant step forward with the introduction of new tools designed to support more circular solutions. The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) has introduced RECY:CHECK, a certification protocol developed to assess the recyclability of fiber-based composite packaging (FBCP). At the same time, FBCA has published the 2025 edition of its "Design for Recycling" Guidelines, which help guide the development of recycling-friendly cartons. These two complementary resources provide tangible support to businesses across the supply chain, helping accelerate the shift toward sustainable and regulation-compliant packaging solutions.
What are the implications for food industry companies, the available technological solutions - both established and emerging - and the benefits of adopting innovative traceability systems? According to a recent Research and Markets report, the global food traceability market is projected to reach $20.8 billion by 2025 and grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%, reaching $57.2 billion by 2034. This impressive growth is fueled by rising concerns over food safety, evolving national and international regulations, and increasing consumer demand for transparency and security.
Christmas remains one of the most important periods of the year for the confectionery sector, marked by a growing demand for products that combine artisanal craftsmanship with creative flair. Costa Dolci responds to this demand with a collection that blends the heritage of Italian panettone with the distinctive aromas and flavors of Sicilian pastry, using carefully selected local ingredients, meticulous production techniques, and premium packaging tailored to high-end markets.
Italian Fresh Cheeses: A Strategic Asset for Global Food Professionals. 52% Export Growth in 5 Years
The global appetite for Italian cheeses shows no signs of slowing down. As consumers worldwide seek out authentic food experiences, Italian dairy products continue to drive demand across diverse international markets, offering importers and distributors a strong value proposition through premium positioning and consumer trust.
Sardinia, a land with a deep-rooted pastoral heritage, stands out on the international stage for its production of traditional cheeses - authentic ambassadors of a region rich in history and biodiversity. As consumer interest in genuine products with strong identity and traditional craftsmanship continues to grow, Sardinian cheeses present a valuable opportunity for distributors, retailers, and restaurateurs aiming to offer premium-quality selections.
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